By Sarah Lechman

Balancing school, athletics, and a business can be difficult, but for Hastings College student-athlete Ashley Bauer, it has become a rewarding experience. Bauer started her business while she was still in high school and has continued to grow it while competing in college athletics. Her company is COWS&CO. Being a student-athlete already comes with a busy schedule, but Bauer has learned how to manage both responsibilities. She said that honesty and passion help her stay organized as she runs her business. “Being a student-athlete has challenges in itself, but adding a business on top of that can be challenging,” Bauer said. “I have faced many challenges, but found that being honest with my customers makes it so much easier to run my business efficiently.”

Bauer explained that many of the skills she has gained through sports have helped her succeed in running her business. Confidence and leadership, which are developed through athletics, have played a major role in helping her interact with customers and work with other businesses.

She said her love for both athletics and her business motivated her to continue growing her company in college. Starting the business in high school gave her experience, and she saw college as another opportunity to expand what she had already built.

One of the biggest challenges Bauer has faced is knowing when to take on new orders while balancing school and sports. Sometimes the workload can be overwhelming, but she has learned how to handle those moments. Bauer said she often relies on help from family members when orders begin to pile up.

Despite the challenges, Bauer says the experience has been worth it. “If you are doing something that you are passionate about, everything will work itself out,” Bauer said. “It will be hard and have challenges, but knowing my customers personally and helping them create shirts is so rewarding.”

Through determination and passion, Bauer continues to show that student-athletes can successfully balance sports, school, and entrepreneurship.